EFCC Begins Investigation On Sacked Tetfund Boss, Bichi Baffa

EFCC Set Up Panel To Investigate Sacked Bichi Baffa

The Economic Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has commenced an investigation on the sacked Executive Secretary of TETFund, Dr Abdullahi Bichi Baffa, over allegations of corruption while he led the agency, Naija News has learnt.

Recall that following Bichi’s sack, the federal government on Tuesday this week, appointed Suleiman Bogoro in his place as the new secretary.

It was learnt from sources that an EFCC team has been assigned the task of investigating the merits of the petition it received around August 2018, from the Centre for Public Accountability (CPA).

It is expected that the team would invite Baffa and the petitioners over allegations of abuse of office and breaching TETfund establishment rules while in office.

CPA, a Civil Society Organization in its petition signed by Executive Secretary Olufemi Lawson accused Baffa of improper contract award, among others, allegations

Dr. Baffa has however denied these allegations.

The group said copies of the allegations were sent to President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Education, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation.

The group accused Baffa of violating provisions of the laws guiding the operation of TETfund, especially the aspect stipulating that TETfund shall ensure that funds generated from education tax are utilized to improve the quality of education in Nigeria without direct contract awarding.

CPA also alleged that Baffa issued the instruction to public owned universities to reserve 20 per cent of all contracts on the intervention fund provided to them by TETFund for “stakeholders”.

“We strongly believe that these “Stakeholders” are none other than Dr. Abdullahi Baffa himself, his cronies and immediate family, many of whom he has used as fronts, in executing the numerous illegal contract being awarded to several higher institutions in clear violation of laid down procedures.” the petition further stated.